Activities

Auto Shows in the Great Lakes Region

The Auto Show… If you are a car enthusiast, visiting an auto show is a memorable experience. And even if you are not, who does not enjoy checking out new, never seen before, shiny, sexy, fancy automobiles.

Every manufacturer strives to give you more than just a machine that takes you from point A to point B. They hope that the appearance, the way the car makes you feel, will make you open your wallet, maybe a lot earlier than the common sense would suggest.

This is why there are auto shows. Not only to let the people in the field to check out the competition, but to get general public to become familiar with new products. And, hopefully became really excited about one.

Truck on display at the 20 19 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.

When researching the topic, I was surprised to find out that there are many auto shows in the region, and practically every major city has one.

I am sure the list below is not an exhaustive one, but only list the biggest shows, in the biggest cities of the region.

Visitors at the 2019 North American International Auto Show.

The Shows

January

First one is the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It takes place in mid January, but in 2020, it is being moved to second half of June. The show usually features about 200 different brands. https://naias.com/

2019 North American International Auto Show, Detroit, MI.

February

February seems to be the most popular month for auto shows. The next eight shows listed below all happen in the 2nd month of the year.

First one is the Auto Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio. The show is located in the Duke Energy Convention Center. It is the region’s largest, featuring over 400 vehicles from 32 different manufacturers. http://cincinnatiautoexpo.com/

Jeep display at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI.

Another one in February is the Buffalo Auto Show. The show is the Western New York “premier new vehicle automotive event”. It features the latest and greatest in SUVs, hybrids, minivans, high performance and every-day cars and trucks. The event is held in the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center in Buffalo, NY. https://buffaloautoshow.com/

Also, in the beginning of February,
is the smaller Greater Toledo Auto Show. The show features vehicles from 26
different manufacturers. The event takes place in the Seagate Convention Centre
in Toledo, OH. http://toledoautoshow.org/

Chevy Silverado truck at the 2019 North American International Auto Show.

Another one in February, is the Chicago Auto Show. This one has a long tradition. The first Chicago Auto Show happened in 1901. The show is the largest auto show in North America. It is held in North and South Exhibit Halls of the McCormick Place complex. There are total of about 1,000 different vehicles on display. https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/default.html

Next one, also in February, is the
Pittsburgh International Auto Show. It is held at the David L. Lawrence
Convention Center in Pittsburgh, PA. The show exhibits many new, classic and
exotic cars. It is famous for showcasing the latest from McLaren, Ferrari and
Lamborghini. https://www.pittautoshow.com/

Toyota car on display at the 2019 North American International Auto Show.

The following one, also in February,
is the Dayton Auto Show. The show exhibits sport cars, sedans, SUVs, minivans
and motorcycles from 25 different manufacturers. It is located at the Dayton
Convention Center in Dayton, OH. http://daytonautoshow.com/

And yet another big one, in the middle of February, is the Canadian International Autoshow in Toronto, Ontario. The show is held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. It is Canada’s largest auto show. It draws an average of 300,000 visitors. The show exhibits over 1,000 cars, trucks and SUVs. Plus, concept vehicle, exotic and classic cars, and also motorcycles. https://www.autoshow.ca/

Alfa Romeo car on display at the 2019 North American International Auto Show.

Then, at the end of February,
beginning of March, there is the Cleveland Auto Show. The show features
concept, pre-production and production vehicles from different world’s auto
manufacturers. It is held annually at
the I-X Center in Cleveland, OH. https://www.clevelandautoshow.com/

Another one, that takes place at the end of February, beginning of March, is the Greater Milwaukee International Car & Truck Show. It is held at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee, WI. The show features more than 500 new cars, trucks, crossovers, SUV’s and more. http://autoshowmilwaukee.com/

Concept car on display at the 2019 North American International Auto Show.

March

Next one, in March, is Columbus International Auto Show. The show is held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH. http://columbusautoshow.com/

December

Then, at the end of December, there is the Indy Auto Show. The show features most major domestic and foreign (mostly Japanese) automotive manufacturers. It is held at the Indiana Convention Center. https://www.indyautoshow.com/

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So, if you enjoy checking out the latest that the auto industry
has to offer, you should visit one or more of these exciting events in the
Great Lakes region.

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Rich S. is a lifetime photographer and traveler based in Metro Detroit area. He has been traveling the Great Lakes area for over 30 years.
Follow his blog about his trips, interesting activities and destinations in the Great Lakes region.